Govt willing to make it compulsory if all agree

The government is willing to make Hindu marriage registration compulsory if there is no resistance from any quarter, said Law and Parliament Affairs Minister Shafique Ahmed at a seminar yesterday.
The seminar titled ' Access to justice for victims of gender-based violence' was organised by the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs at a city hotel.
Speaking as chief guest the minister said if the registration does not hurt the religious feelings of the Hindu community, the government would proceed on actively.
He said his ministry has already established a separate directorate of legal aid to provide financial and legal assistance to the poor.
"Besides, the government has passed the Human Rights Commission Act to seek help from the commission," he added.
In a keynote paper Dr Abul Hossain, project director of Multi-Sectoral Programme on Violence Against Women, highlighted various steps taken under the project.
He said lack of adequate legal aid system, and expensive legal procedures also hinder access to justice.
“Our society, culture and legal system, all are gender-biased, and from which we should come out,” said the speakers.
Women's rights activist Maleka Begum said it does not matter whether the victim is a man or woman, the matter is that whether they are getting justice or not.
"Joint programme on human rights is important," said Ambassador of Denmark to Bangladesh Einar Hebogaard Jensen, adding that there is very low reporting on violence against women and the community police must be sensitised and trained in this regard.
Secretary to women and children's affairs ministry Rokeya Sultana moderated the seminar which was attended by the representatives of different rights groups.